Earn Your Spartanburg "Sparkle Badge" Part 2

Greenville has become nationally-recognized for its budding food scene. But when you dig a little deeper, the Upstate’s food and drink expertise goes far beyond the Greenville county line. Let’s be honest, the folks in Spartanburg deserve some hard-earned recognition. From trendy coffee shops and breweries to elegant fine dining, to even the nostalgic “Mom-and-pop” breakfast spots, Spartanburg’s food and drink industry just won’t stop growing. We set out to continue our hunt for some of the best Sparkle City restaurants that we guarantee will have you running to earn your Sparkle badge.

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The Farmer’s Table

Sometimes you just need a big bowl of shrimp and grits to satisfy the soul. If brunch (featuring mimosas of course) is more your style, The Farmer’s Table is a great place to try. At The Farmer’s Table, you get the best of both worlds: your favorite home-cooked meals made with guilt-free farm fresh ingredients.

Check out The Farmer’s Table, located in downtown Spartanburg, for farm-to-table breakfast, lunch options, and creative cocktails you don’t want to miss out on.

Mon Amie Morning Café

Holy crepe! Make your dream of spending your Saturday morning at the little Parisian corner café a reality at Mon Amie. This adorable French-inspired café on the Eastside offers various French classics such as crepes, croissants, and Monte Christos. Sip on a delicious Cafe au Lait as you daydream about beautiful French cityscapes and delightful accents. Bon appétit!

and next up…

Downtown Deli & Donuts/The Mall at Bijou Building

At this point, your sweet tooth is probably trying to get your attention. Downtown Deli & Donuts is at your service. With choices like iced-glazed donuts, chocolate croissants, and ooey gooey cinnamon rolls, you’ll for sure find yourself in a sugar coma. The best part? They use all organic, non-GMO ingredients so you can feel better about your indulgences. If sweets aren’t your thing, Downtown Deli offers great meal options too, including one-of-a-kind breakfast sandwiches, casseroles, and more!

Once you’ve grabbed your donut for the road, stop into one of the many adorable shops located in the Bijou Building’s indoor mall.

Some of our favorites: Good Karma offers adorable knick knacks from various brands you’ll love. The best part? All brands are affiliated with doing good in the community, so each sale goes toward giving back so you can do good and feel good. If you feel the need to satisfy your green thumb, check out the Urban Planter for some adorable plant babies. And if you need a little freshening up, check out the Black Derby Barber Co.

Converse Deli

When lunchtime approaches, you may want to consider a hot panini or deli sandwich to hold you over until dinner. Converse Deli offers unique sandwich combinations in addition to some of your favorite classics. Don’t let your hanger stop you from enjoying the rest of your tour de Sparty. Pro tip: Converse Deli offers several veggie options too if you are trying to go meatless.

Drayton Mills (Bella Latte, Mozza Roasters, The Standard, Holliday Brewing, and more)

Once you decide you need a break from all of the eating, your yawning may get the best of you. Head over to Drayton Mills for some afternoon coffee and exploration. Drayton Mills is located just a few miles outside of downtown Spartanburg.

Take a tour of this beautifully renovated mill and pop into Bella Latte (home of Mozza Roasters) for a sample of their locally-roasted coffee. If you love latte art as much as we do, treat yo self to a delicious espresso with milk.

Once you’ve gotten your caffeine fix, it may be time to indulge in an adult beverage or two. The Standard is a great place to get your happy hour fix, with amazing specialty cocktail, beer, and wine selections, there is something for every type of palette. Plan on coming back soon for a meal? We hear their meatloaf and mashed potatoes entree is to die for.

As if Drayton Mills wasn’t perfect enough, keep your eyes peeled for brand new craft brewery, Holliday Brewing, coming soon! We got the chance to check it out, and let’s just say you won’t want to miss out on Spartanburg’s newest “hoppy” hour.

It’s been a long day, but luckily there are no shortage of dinner options in the Burg.

Gerhards’ Cafe

Guten tag! Feeling like you want to spice up your dinner routine? Check out German-style Gerhards’ Cafe. This rustic dining experience is unique and delicious. From classic German dishes, to German-inspired decor, Gerhards’ steak and seafood is too good to pass up. Our recommendation: Southern Oyster Rockefeller.

The Kennedy

If you are wanting to “up” your dinner game, you HAVE to try out The Kennedy. This elegant restaurant is home to some of the most delicious, locally sourced small plates and cocktails we have ever had. Fun fact: each of their handcrafted cocktails is named after something Kennedy-related. *Our pick: Dizzy With a Dame (made with pisco, brandy, elderflower, absinthe mint, lemon bitters, and egg white...yum!). This beautiful mid-century modern space is the perfect backdrop for a romantic date or an evening with friends.

Venus Pie

We couldn’t tell you about some of Spartanburg’s best eateries without mentioning pizza. Venus Pie, located on East Main St, offers quaint diner vibes and delicious pies to make for a saucy ending to a food-filled day. Venus Pie has been in business since 1995, so you know their pies are worth the cheese. Did we mention their slices are bigger than your face? Trust us, it’s worth the calories.

Papa’s Breakfast Nook

Nothing says “comfort” quite like starting your day (or in this case ending it) with a hearty, delicious breakfast. Make your way to Papa’s Breakfast Nook for some good old fashioned grits, pancakes, or even a steak plate. Don’t be fooled by the name, Papa’s serves all types of food AND is open 24 hours, making it the perfect spot for hitting those late-night cravings too.

So now that you’re a connoisseur in Spartanburg cuisine, it’s safe to say you have officially earned your Sparkle City badge. For more must-try eateries and experiences, check out part one of some of our favorite places in the Burg right here.

Jackie BrookerApril 6, 2019